"Messi would be a proud man", "Big game player" – Argentina fans laud 'underrated baller' for outstanding Copa America 2024 display against Peru
Argentina fans have showered praise on Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez for his match-winning outing in a 2-0 Group A win over Peru at the ongoing Copa America 2024.
Earlier on Saturday (June 29), La Albiceleste registered their third consecutive win at the ongoing Copa America. Martinez netted the opening goal in the 47th minute before adding another in the 86th minute.
Following Martinez's brace against Peru, an Argentina fan wrote on X:
"Messi would be a proud man. He inspired a whole generation."
Another supporter hailed the 26-year-old attacker, writing on X:
"Big game player 👌"
One supporter heaped praise on the right-footed striker, posting on X:
"Underrated baller"
Another football fan reacted to Martinez's recent display, writing:
"He's cooking🔥👏😮💨"
Claiming that Martinez is Argentina's best player now, a fan posted:
"Best argentinian player"
Another fan pointed out how Martinez regained his form, writing:
"That penalty Messi gave him changed everything ❤️"
Martinez, who made two substitute appearances in his national side's two opening matches at the Copa America 2024, featured in 90 minutes of action against Peru. He completed 12 of 14 passes, registered all three of his shots on target, and won six of 18 total duels.
Meanwhile, Peru manager Jorge Fossati has claimed that Martinez's second strike was unfairly awarded. He commented (h/t The Athletic):
"I believe the referee was biased at some points. At some points, he was giving against us fouls where we hadn't even touched opponents. The referee and VAR missed the foul on the second goal. It was revealed on the big screen. It was a clear foul by Lautaro who threw our player off balance. I believe it was crystal clear. In many disputed moments, it was always against us."
So far, Martinez has scored four goals at the continental tournament.
Argentina coach provides injury update on Lionel Messi after latest Copa America win
La Albiceleste assistant manager Walter Samuel has offered a positive update on Lionel Messi's recent thigh injury. He said (h/t The Athletic):
"We are monitoring day after day. We will see how he feels, we will talk to the doctors. We have several days ahead of us before the game. I talked to him and he is getting better. It's been a couple of days and it's too early to tell. We will talk to him and the doctors."
Messi, 37, was an unused substitute in Argentina's 2-0 Copa America triumph over Peru after picking up a thigh issue in a 1-0 victory against Chile earlier on Tuesday. He is yet to score a goal for his national side at the tournament, but has registered one assist so far.
Argentina, who are the reigning champions, finished atop Group A with nine points, while Peru sealed a fourth-placed finish with just a point.